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The Riviera Maya is a great place for water sports because of its warm ocean temperature. The water temperature on the Caribbean side is often 10F warmer than the Pacific side, making swimming, snorkelling, diving, and water sports fabulous all-year-round. The Riviera Maya also has a huge reef, the second largest in the world, that provides protection for many of the beaches and creates calm areas for swimming, bathing, and activities. This is great for families and small children even when the waves beyond the reef are rolling in. Take a look at our pick of the best hotels offering water sports and activities in this magnificent part of the Caribbean…
5* Rosewood Mayakoba
At the Mayakoba Dive and Water Sports Centre, their certified instructors offer excursions for all abilities. Whether you’re new to the water and take lessons at the dive school or join an open water scuba diving and snorkelling PADI certified course, you will be in safe hands. You can also sail the Caribbean Sea aboard Mayakoba’s sleek, private 55’ VanDutch Yacht and enjoy one of four charter packages including the magical experience of watching the sunset amidst the turquoise waters of Riviera Maya. Or why not paddle your way through a journey of discovery along the serene canals in a canoe or kayak to view the surrounding natural beauty in an entirely different perspective.
5* Hotel Esencia
Ideally situated far from huge resorts and the roar of pleasure boats, the immaculate bay of Xpu-Ha is the perfect spot for under water explorations. It is a natural haven where each year, sea turtles go to make their nests – you can even swim with them just a few feet from the shore of the hotel beach. Here, you can also embark on a magical journey through the crystal museum that is Rio Secreto – possibly one of the great wonders of the world! Experience this stunning underground river with thousands of dramatic stalactites and stalagmites – it’s like stepping back in time and witnessing something truly spectacular and mysterious.
5* Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort
Set sail from Puerto Morelos and spend the day on an exhilarating tour of the Riviera Maya coast. Partake in a snorkelling adventure amongst the vibrant corals and reef structures to discover an undersea playground inhabited by giant lobsters, seahorses and sea turtles. Why not charter a private fishing boat or join a group expedition and cruise the waters while casting for sailfish, white and blue marlin, mahi-mahi, king mackerel, wahoo, barracuda and amberjack. Or sail on the new and luxuriously appointed catamaran, the Arrecife, where you can witness some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and spend the morning snorkelling at Puerto Morelos National Park Reef.
4* BlueBay Grand Esmeralda
Discovering the underwater world is discovering a new world – a world not to be missed! The BlueBay Grand Esmeralda provides you with the opportunity to scuba dive or snorkel within the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, with equipment included and instructors available to point out the perfect spots to swim among unique marine species. If you relish an adrenaline adventure, why not try windsurfing or jump on a jet ski?! Ploughing through the water at such speed is an experience you need to enjoy first hand. For water activities within the comfort of your hotel, the three big pools here are perfect for a game of water volleyball and an ideal way to get to know fellow holidaymakers.
5* Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Here you can find out more about the cenotes and ruins of the Riviera Maya. Formed millions of years ago, cenotes are wide open pools or caves containing pools that connect submerged tunnels – ideal for snorkelling and diving. Or how about an experience of a lifetime – swimming with some of the most epic sea creatures. Giant green sea turtles love to eat the sea grass here so it’s a great dive site for turtle spotting. And if you visit between November and March, you can dive with bull sharks in the warm shallow waters just a 5-minute boat trip away. Or book a private session and swim with dolphins, by encountering a natural aquarium or a boat tour to see them in their natural habitat.
5* Chable Maroma
The elation of discovery and exploration is yours for the taking here along the hotels private stretch of Playa Maroma’s soft sands and calm waters – a safe spot for paddling or swimming and the perfect place to enjoy the more exhilarating athletic pursuits of kayaking, catamaran sailing, kitesurfing and parasailing. For fun for all ages, open yourself to new perspectives with paddle boarding and connect with the ocean’s rhythm in a dynamic way. Or explore the Mesoamerican reef on a snorkel reef tour to absorb the surrounding natural wonders and discover a range of mesmerising forms of life just below the water’s surface.
